INNOVATION

A 24 places board-based ‘game’. Each place represents one of 16 different subjects. Three of those subjects are duplicated. The five remaining places are “blank”.

There is a set of “response” cards relevant to each board subject. These cards are pre-printed with questions or statements in order to prompt reflection and / or open discussion.

A set of dice and miniature skittles are used to move around the board. Landing a skittle on a place on the board prompts selection of a response card on the same subject. After reflection, the detail on the card is read out aloud. This is followed either by open discussion or personal comment in response to the prompt on the card.

There is no compulsion to act in any way, If the response card is asking for a personal response, the participant may return the card to the deck without comment or if lacking confidence but interested in the topic may invite someone else to respond instead. Simply placing a skittle on a chosen place on the board and leaving it there with, or without selecting a response card is perfectly acceptable

Participants choose how to proceed in whatever manner works for them. There is no set order or sequence to the “play”. The direction around the board and starting position is entirely free from choice and may be changed at any time.

Landing on a place labelled “Blank” gives the participant permission to raise any issue, question, topic or comment they feel is important to them, for discussion or for others to respond to.

One of the duplicated board places is labelled “surprise” and contain questions, topics or comments anyone has submitted anonymously. These comments are submitted in advance and would ordinarily not be raised for various reasons including fear of reprisals

The benefits of open candid dialogue are experienced

Employees have an opportunity to provide feedback, and have an impact on what happens going forward

Barriers to good working relations and productivity are acknowledged with solutions considered collaboratively

The need for support or changes in behaviour become clear and may be specific for individual benefit or require group action

Ideas are generated for later consideration or escalation for senior management to consider

Innovation is a facilitated process. At appropriate times during discussions or break-out sessions, guidance using counter-intuitive approaches will be given once group inquiries appear to be exhausted.

The absence of rigid rules and provision of such an open flexible approach gives people permission to proceed in whatever way suits their preference.

This design specifically creates a comfortable environment for anyone suffering stress, anxiety, self-doubt or of introvert tendencies.

The no-rules design causes people to practice self-observation and give value to emotional and intuitive considerations that on other occasions may not have been noticed or merely ignored. This practice leads to greater balance and personal happiness.

Every process ends with a review of group findings and summary of mutually agreed actions tied to timescales which may include actions:

(1) By individuals including behaviour changes if applicable

(2) By the whole group or select individuals in the group with respect to changes proposed or new ideas to try

(3) For the group or select individuals to explore further

(4) For ideas, comments or changes to escalate for management to consider